Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear on April 5 plea filed by 14 political parties led by Congress alleging arbitrary use of Central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and Central Bureau of Investigation in arresting Opposition leaders, as reported by the ANI news agency.
The Opposition leaders have alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government is misusing ED and CBI. The petitioners, including the Indian National Congress, Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazahgam and Rashtraiya Janata Dal, have sought pre-arrest guidelines, as reported by Bar and Bench.
Senior Counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi mentioned the matter before Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud for urgent listing. “14 political parties have come together, seeking pre-arrest guidelines and their enforcement. Today CBI, ED entirely being used against us,” Singhvi said, as quoted by Bar and Bench. He further stated that 95 percent of the investigations by Central agencies are against leaders from Opposition parties.
Last month, while taking cognisance of the CBI chargesheet, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court issued summons against former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi and 14 others in connection with an alleged land-for-job scam. After questioning former Bihar chief ministers, the CBI summoned Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav in connection with the land-for-jobs case.
Earlier, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was arrested by the CBI in its ongoing investigation of a case related to alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). After CBI, ED arrested Sisodia in the liquor policy case.
(With Inputs From Agencies)